“Between barbeques and amusement park fare, summertime eating can be synonymous with sugary, sticky foods and drinks, which can contribute to tooth decay if patients don’t practice good oral care,” said Maureen Howes, RDH, MS, director of hygiene services at Aspen Dental Management, Inc. “Maintaining your oral health at home and getting regular care is essential to help prevent dental problems.”

Since enjoying the occasional s’more or other sweet snack is part of the American tradition, Howes reminds patients to brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, which helps remove food and plaque. You should also floss to remove plaque between teeth and below the gum line where your toothbrush can’t reach.

If you’re not able to brush your teeth immediately after consuming a sugary food or drink, rinse your mouth with water to help wash it away.

Another tip is to minimize snacking, which creates a constant supply of acid in the mouth. Avoid constant sipping of sugary drinks or frequent sucking on candy and mints. In addition to soda, other beverages that may be high in sugar are certain juices and sports drinks — check the label to see how much sugar you’re drinking.

Advice for Denture Wearers

For the nearly 50 million Americans who wear dentures, following a good oral care routine is just as important. Denture-wearers should clean their gums to avoid plaque build-up that can irritate the tissue under dentures, and thoroughly clean dentures at night to avoid bacteria growth.

And if your dentures no longer fit as well as they once did, consult your dentist about an adjustment or replacement — the tissues in the mouth change over time, and bone and gum ridges shrink, which can result in ill-fitting dentures that make eating uncomfortable or downright painful. While the American Dental Association recommends that dentures be replaced every five to seven years, many people keep the same set of dentures for much longer.

One sign that it might be time for a replacement is the overuse denture adhesive cream. If you are using more than one tube of denture cream every three weeks, your dentures may not fit properly and should be evaluated. Visit your dentist to see if they need to be adjusted.

About Aspen Dental
One of the largest and fastest-growing networks of dental care providers in the U.S., Aspen Dental practices are committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care.

Aspen Dental practices are nationally accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and maintain an A+ rating with the BBB’s Reliability Report.

The Aspen Dental network currently has more than 250 locations in 20 states. In 2009, Aspen Dental doctors recorded more than 1.5 million patient visits, including visits from more than 340,000 new patients.

Aspen Dental doctors and staff help meet the demand for high-quality, yet affordable denture and dental services by offering convenient retail locations, extended hours, affordable fees and a wide range of payment plan options. The offices work with all insurance plans.

For more information about Aspen Dental and the services it provides, please visit www.aspendent.com : www.aspendent.com/ . To learn more about careers at Aspen Dental, please visit www.aspendentaljobs.com. : www.aspendentaljobs.com./

“The current economic environment has forced many Americans to delay seeking dental care, cutting back on everything from cleanings to dentures to treatment of gum disease,” said Dr. Arwinder Judge, vice president of clinical support at Aspen Dental Management, Inc. “Considering the link between gum disease and certain health conditions like heart disease, diabetes and stroke, patients should try to make regular visits to the dentist just as much of a priority as regular visits to their primary care physician.”

Adds Dr. Judge, “Ultimately, seeking preventative care and taking care of small dental problems before they become big problems pays off.”

According to a report by Oral Health America, early dental treatment is cost effective. In fact, the cost of providing preventive dental treatment is estimated to be 10 times less than the cost of managing symptoms of dental disease in a hospital emergency room. Moreover, the report notes that improving oral health by multiple preventative approaches, including periodontal (gum) disease management, saves more than $4 billion per year in treatment costs.

Advice for Denture Patients

Regular oral care is just as important for the nearly 50 million Americans who wear full or partial dentures. Even patients who have no natural teeth should have their mouth examined annually not only for signs of oral cancer, but also for proper denture fit. The tissues in the mouth change over time, and bone and gum ridges shrink, which can result in ill-fitting dentures that make eating uncomfortable or downright painful. While the American Dental Association recommends that dentures be replaced every five to seven years, many people keep the same set of dentures for much longer.

Another key concern for people with dentures is the use of denture adhesives. While adhesives can help dentures feel more stable and secure, long-term excessive use can potentially pose health risks. Patients should closely follow labeling instructions for denture adhesive products. If dentures feel loose or cause discomfort, it is important to contact your dentist as soon as possible about an adjustment or replacement.

Making Dental Care Accessible

Doctors and staff at Aspen Dental work to help break down the barriers that keep patients from getting the oral care they need, offering convenient locations, extended hours including select Saturdays, affordable fees, and a wide range of flexible payment plan options. Aspen Dental practices work with all insurance plans.  Walk-in patients and those with emergencies are welcome.

To help encourage patients to take the first step toward good oral health, Aspen Dental offers free new-patient exams to patients who do not have the benefit of insurance; free denture consultations for all denture patients; special promotions and senior discounts. Patients can learn about what to expect during their first visit to Aspen Dental at www.aspendent.com/appointment.first.visit.html.

To make an appointment, call 800-ASPEN DENTAL or visit www.aspendent.com to schedule online.

About Aspen Dental

One of the largest and fastest-growing networks of denture and dental care providers in the U.S., Aspen Dental practices are committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care under the Aspen Dental brand.

Aspen Dental practices are nationally accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and maintain an A+ rating with the BBB’s Reliability Report.

The Aspen Dental network currently has more than 250 locations in 20 states. In 2009, Aspen Dental doctors recorded more than 1.5 million patient visits, including visits from more than 340,000 new patients.

Aspen Dental doctors and staff help meet the demand for high-quality, yet affordable denture and dental services by offering convenient retail locations, extended hours, affordable fees and a wide range of payment plan options. The offices work with all insurance plans.

For more information about Aspen Dental practices and services, please visit www.aspendent.com. To learn more about careers at Aspen Dental, please visit www.aspendentaljobs.com.

An estimated 75% of Americans have some form of gum disease and researchers have found that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from a heart condition as those without. (www.perio.org)

“Unfortunately, many people aren’t aware of the connection between your gums and your heart,” said Dr. Irshad Mohammed, lead dentist in Aspen Dental’s Fairfield office in the Black Rock Shopping Center. “In addition to brushing and flossing every day, and visiting your dentist every six months, it’s important to eat foods that promote good oral health.”

Dr. Mohammed’s Tips:
• Try tea. Drinking green tea is an easy way to ward off the bacteria that causes gum disease. It contains antioxidants called catechins that reduce inflammation and inhibit bacteria. Brew some green tea and then chill it for a cool and healthy summer drink.

• Choose fruits high in vitamin C. Depending on its size, a kiwi can give you 100 percent of your daily vitamin C intake. The vitamin C prevents the collagen in your gums from breaking down which can lead to tender gums more susceptible to disease. Blend kiwis and cantaloupe in a food processor to make a chilled summer soup or use as a topping on your favorite yogurt.

• Go with the grain. Eating whole grains is another simple way to keep your gums and heart healthy. Whole grains are digested more slowly than other grains, which means blood glucose levels rise at a steadier rate and mitigate the body’s production of bacteria that can cause gum and heart disease. Try replacing unrefined white pasta with whole wheat noodles in your pasta salad this summer.

For more advice on foods that can keep your mouth and heart in good health, ask your dentist during your next exam.

About Aspen Dental
One of the largest and fastest-growing networks of denture and dental care providers in the U.S., Aspen Dental practices are committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care under the Aspen Dental brand.

Aspen Dental practices are nationally accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and maintain an A+ rating with the BBB’s Reliability Report.

The Aspen Dental network currently has more than 245 locations in 20 states. In 2009, Aspen Dental doctors recorded more than 1.5 million patient visits, including visits from more than 340,000 new patients.

Aspen Dental doctors and staff help meet the demand for high-quality, yet affordable denture and dental services by offering convenient retail locations, extended hours, affordable fees and a wide range of payment plan options. The offices work with all insurance plans.

For more information about Aspen Dental and the services it provides, please visit www.aspendent.com. To learn more about careers at Aspen Dental, please visit www.aspendentaljobs.com.

Aspen Dental reminds patients to check their remaining dental insurance benefits before the benefits expire at the end of the year. Most insurance companies offer a certain amount of annual coverage that expires at the end of each year. To receive benefits for 2009 treatment, dental services must be performed before December 31. Ask your dental care provider how to get the most out of your 2009 and 2010 benefits as the New Year begins.

“This is a great time of year to schedule a dental visit,” said Dr. Arwinder Judge, Vice President, Clinical Support for Aspen Dental Management, Inc. “People can visit their dentists before the holiday rush and begin the New Year on the path to excellent oral health. The importance of oral health is often overlooked, but it is a key to our overall health.”

According to Oral Health America, sponsor of The Oral Healthcare Can’t Wait™ campaign, it is imperative that patients realize the importance of a regular oral healthcare routine. Postponing regular dental checkups and recommended treatment will only result in more severe and more costly problems down the road. Although many patients are postponing dental treatment due to economic factors, the fact is that many Americans have dental benefits that they are not taking full advantage of. Aspen Dental can help ensure that patients are taking full advantage of their allotted coverage.

More than 215 Aspen Dental offices from Maine to Oregon and Washington work with all insurance plans to provide patients with a full range of denture and dental services, including hygiene, oral surgery, fillings, whitening and crown and bridge work. Aspen Dental offers free, no obligation denture consultations and is the only authorized provider of eight styles of full and partial hand-crafted ComfiDents® brand dentures.

Aspen Dental offers several programs to assist patients in getting the care they need including pre-payment plan discounts, extended payment plans, up to 24 months interest-free payment options, free new-patient exams and x-rays for new patients without insurance, and 10 percent senior discounts for patients over 65. Aspen Dental accepts cash, personal checks and all major credit cards.

For more information visit Aspen Dental’s redesigned website at www.aspendent.com

ABOUT ASPEN DENTAL:
Aspen Dental is a leading provider of denture and dental care services committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care. Aspen Dental is the only company authorized to provide eight styles of its hand-crafted, full and partial ComfiDents® brand dentures.

Aspen Dental has grown from 13 offices and three states in 1998 to more than 215 locations in 18 states. More than 300 licensed dentists and 200 dental hygienists work with Aspen Dental throughout Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington and Wisconsin.

In 2008, Aspen Dental recorded more than 1.5 million patient visits, including visits from more than 260,000 new patients.

Aspen Dental meets the demand for high-quality, yet affordable denture and dental services by offering convenient locations, extended hours, affordable fees and a wide range of payment plan options. The company works with all insurance plans.

For many, hygienists are “the face” of the dental practice due to the important role they play in their patients’ oral health and overall well-being. In addition to delivering care, hygienists assist in the prevention and treatment of oral disease by educating patients on the relationship between oral health and systemic health. They work with patients to develop home care plans to maintain oral health. Hygienists also give advice on over-the-counter products, nutrition and smoking cessation.

National Dental Hygiene Month is a great time to start on the road to excellent oral health by committing to a dental hygiene routine. It takes just a few simple steps:

Brush at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.

Floss at least once a day.

Limit consumption of soda, high sugar juices and sports drinks; drink more water in their place.

Limit intake of foods that are sticky or high in sugar.

Visit a dentist and hygienist twice a year, and be sure your visit includes an oral cancer exam; many dental practices offer state-of-the-art oral cancer screening tools that help dentists and hygienists identify abnormal tissue at its earliest stage.

Proper oral health is important for denture wearers, too. If you wear dentures be sure to brush your gums, tongue and palate every morning with a soft-bristled brush before you insert your dentures to stimulate circulation in your tissues and help remove plaque. And be sure to visit your dentist for an annual checkup.

By taking these steps, every month can be Dental Hygiene Month.

Maureen Howes, RDH, MS

Director, Hygiene Services

Aspen Dental Management Inc.

Youth education is particularly important because prevention and early detection are keys in fighting the battle against oral cancer. Certain risk factors such as family history and alcohol and tobacco use can contribute to the development of oral cancer, but nearly 25 percent of oral cancer patients have no known risk factors.

Tragically, this type of cancer is too often discovered late in development or when it has metastasized to another location. This doesn’t have to happen.

Oral cancer exams are part of routine dental exams. Advanced screening technologies detect oral cancer at its earliest stages. Prevention and early detection are keys in fighting the battle against oral cancer.

In addition to visiting your dentist twice a year for exams and cleaning, you can help minimize your risk for oral cancer through proper diet, use of sunscreen on lips, reducing tobacco and alcohol consumption, and avoiding high risk sexual behaviors.

Again, familiarize yourself with the risk factors and visit your dentist regularly for oral cancer screenings to help prevent this deadly disease. And be sure to talk with your children about the risks of using tobacco products.

—

Dr. Arwinder Judge is vice president of clincal support at Aspen Dental Management, Inc

Click here to read the original in The Express

“We’re really looking forward to the opening of our new Fort Myers office and bringing access to high-quality, full-service dental care to the area. We hope to make going to the dentist an easier, more convenient experience for people who live and work in the community,” said Dr. Lynn Saint Amand, lead dentist.

Aspen Dental will provide patients with a full range of denture and dental services, including hygiene, oral surgery, fillings, whitening and crown and bridge work. Aspen Dental is the only authorized provider of eight styles of full and partial hand-crafted ComfiDents® brand dentures. As an added convenience to denture patients, the Fort Myers office will have its own on-site denture laboratory, which ensures same-day turnaround for select new dentures, denture repairs, relines or adjustments.

The Fort Myers office will feature state-of-the-art Kodak Dental Systems digital radiography products to better diagnose, serve and treat patients. The new office will also provide patients with Vizilite Plus®, the most advanced technology in oral cancer screening. Vizilite Plus® uses a blue-light, “glowstick” technology that detects oral cancer at its earliest stage.

Aspen Dental offers free new-patient exams and x-rays for patients without insurance, special pricing on dental and denture services for all patients, as well as senior discounts.

The office will be open extended hours, including selected Saturdays, and will work with all insurance providers. Walk-in patients and emergencies are welcome.

To make an appointment, call 239-337-1008. As an added convenience, visit www.aspendent.com and click “Make an Appointment” to schedule online.

ABOUT ASPEN DENTAL:
Aspen Dental is a leading provider of denture and dental care services committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care. Aspen Dental is the only company authorized to provide eight styles of its hand-crafted, full and partial ComfiDents® brand dentures.

Aspen Dental has grown from 13 offices and three states in 1998 to more than 180 locations in 16 states. Over 300 licensed dentists and nearly 200 dental hygienists work with Aspen Dental throughout Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin.

In 2008, Aspen Dental recorded more than 1.5 million patient visits, including visits from more than 260,000 new patients.

Aspen Dental meets the demand for high-quality, yet affordable denture and dental services by offering convenient locations, extended hours, affordable fees and a wide range of payment plan options. The company works with all insurance plans.

For more information about Aspen Dental and the services it provides, please visit www.aspendent.com

About three out of four Americans suffer from gum disease at some point in life, and most people don’t even know they have it. But there’s good news — because gum disease is caused primarily by poor oral healthcare, it is preventable. A good oral healthcare routine can stop gum disease from developing into something more serious.

In addition, practicing routine maintenance will keep the cost of your dental care down because small, easily treatable problems will not develop into more costly procedures.

During National Smile Month, Aspen Dental encourages everyone to “Brush for Health.” Here are just a few easy steps to make great oral health care a regular habit:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth.
* Eat a balanced diet and limit between meal snacks.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks.
* If you wear dentures, keep them clean and make sure they fit well.
* Visit your dentist regularly, at least twice a year, even if you do not have your natural teeth. An exam of your mouth can provide early detection of pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions and routine cleanings will prevent serious and costly problems from developing.

If you follow those simple steps, you’ll be celebrating National Smile Month in good health for many years to come.

http://www.colgateprofessional.com/whitepapers/abstract.htm